Rodney McAree begins contract talks with in-form Darren McCauley

Rodney McAree says keeping Darren McCauley at Coleraine is paramount to bringing success to the club.

The midfielder has been in sparkling form for the Bannsiders since McAree took over the reins.

McCauley has notched up four goals in his last five games, including the equaliser in last week’s draw with Glentoran. McAree wants to tie the former Derry City man down to a new deal at The Showgrounds.

“We have already started speaking to Darren about a new contract.

“He is paramount to this club and paramount to us going forward and the success of the club going forward.

“The goal against the Glens last week was his fourth goal since I’ve come in, and he took it so well again.

“But him and Adam Mullan put in an almighty shift in that second half playing as wing backs, both attacking and defending.

“They were both superb, and their efforts led to us getting a great point in the end.”

McAree will have to shuffle his pack this Saturday for what he called a ‘tough’ trip to Warrenpoint after Eoin Bradley’s dismissal last Saturday.

But he feels it will give the likes of Jamie McGonigle the chance to come in and stake his claim for a starting spot.

“Obviously we’ll have to make a change now with ‘Skiiner’ suspended, but it also gives Jamie the chance to get a place in the team again.

“For the life of me I can’t believe a player of Jamie’s quality is not in the team.

“It shows you the quality the teams has produced over the last few weeks.